An individualized golf cart comprises a golf cart body supported off the ground a pair of front steering wheels and a pair of rear driving wheels. The cart further includes a mounting structure for retaining a golf bag on the cart. A steering system is operatively coupled to the steering wheels to steer the golf cart. A propulsion system including a motor and power supply are operatively coupled to the wheels to drive the golf cart. A brake system is operatively coupled to the wheels to slow and/or stop the golf cart. A platform is attached to the cart body adjacent the driving wheels and extends rearwardly therefrom to support a person in an upright position behind the driving wheels. The platform includes a safety enclosure defining an operating station which includes access to controls for the steering system, propulsion system and brake system. The platform provides a short step to the ground, the golf bag being within reach of the golfer upon exiting the operating station.
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11. An individualized golf cart comprising:
a golf cart frame supported off the ground by four wheels including two laterally spaced front wheels and two laterally spaced rear wheels; a golf bag mounting structure formed within the frame and disposed to retain a golf bag on the cart and between the platform and supply; a platform attached to the frame adjacent the rear wheels and extending rearwardly therefrom, the platform disposed to support a person in a position behind the rear wheels; and a propulsion system including a motor and associated power supply to drive the cart, the power supply being positioned in front of the rear wheels to counter-balance a golfer situated on the platform.
12. A golf cart comprising:
a body supported off the ground by a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear driving wheels; the body defining a golf bag mounting structure sized and oriented to retain a golf bag on the cart in a position extending laterally and generally perpendicular to the golf cart's longitudinal axis to provide access to the clubs on a lateral side of the cart; a platform attached to the body adjacent the driving wheels and positioned to support a person in a generally upright position; and a guard wall disposed above the platform to define an operating station for a golfer, at least a portion of the guard wall being disposed between the operating station and the driving wheels to block a golfer situated on the platform from the rear driving wheels.
7. An individualized golf cart comprising:
a golf cart frame supported off the ground by four wheels including two laterally spaced front wheels and two laterally spaced rear wheels; a golf bag mounting structure connected to the frame and disposed to retain a golf bag on the cart; a platform attached to the frame adjacent the rear wheels and extending rearwardly therefrom, the platform disposed to support a person in a position behind the rear wheels; the platform including a guard wall around the platform providing a side exit, the golf bag mounting structure position golf clubs within reach of a golfer exiting the platform via the side exit; and a propulsion system including a motor and associated power supply to drive the cart, the power supply being positioned in front of the rear wheels to counter-balance a golfer situated on the platform.
1. A single golfer golf cart comprising in combination:
a four wheeled chassis having a pair of front wheels which are pivotable for steering and a pair of rear driving wheels; a platform for the golfer positioned substantially aft of the driving wheels, a safety enclosure above the platform which defines a standing operating station for the golfer, the operating station having a single side exit; a propulsion system, primarily positioned to the fore of the driving wheels, controls for regulating the propulsion system being accessible to the operating station; a steering system for the front wheels which extends to a steering wheel positioned approximately above the driving wheels and accessible to the operating station; a brake system having a brake pedal in the operating station; the platform being positioned in a horizontal plane such that it is a short step to the ground for a golfer exiting the operating station; and a golf bag mounting structure carried by the chassis and positioned to support a selection of clubs within reach of the golfer after the golfer steps from the platform to the ground.
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The present invention relates generally to golf carts, and more particularly relates to motorized golf carts.
Conventional motorized golf carts are designed for two persons and typically include four wheels connected to a cart body. The cart body defines a rear-section for vertically mounting two golf bags, a mid-section defining a cabin and having a seat sized for two persons, and a front-section housing the steering system. A motor and associated power supply are usually located adjacent the mid- or rear-section, and may be housed beneath the seat. The motor and steering system are operatively connected to user controls in the cabin of the vehicle, the controls typically comprising a steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake pedal, the brake pedal often including a parking brake integrally formed therein.
These carts have endured many years of success due in part to their stability and ease of handling, i.e. driving, braking and steering. Despite their success, there are several drawbacks to these conventional golf carts. It is very common for the carts to be shared by two golfers during the course of a golf round. This results in the golf cart criss-crossing all over the course, damaging fairway grass and generally slowing the speed of play by delaying the time between each individual's shots. This also requires each golfer to expend mental energy by paying attention to each of his riding partner's shots, as it is typically necessary to locate golf balls while riding together. When two players arrive at a ball, the shooter walks up to examine the lie, walks to the rear of the cart to select a club, walks back to the ball to shoot, walks back to the rear to replace the club and then enters the cart. Then they must travel to the other players ball, the same steps repeated. This results in much wasted time, as well as lost motion and potential lost concentration.
Another drawback to these conventional golf carts is the physical motion made by golfers using such a cart, such as getting in and out of the cart and retrieving clubs. The golf swing itself is unnatural and sequences a person's body through many motions, including a twisting or coiling motion of one's body around the spine. Albeit unnatural, it is the uncoiling of the body that generally produces power for a golf shot. Unfortunately, a golfer enters and exits a golf cart by simultaneously rising and twisting, or bending down and twisting. Since the golf clubs are located in the rear of the cart, directly behind the golfers, the natural tendency is to twist the body when entering or exiting. This unnecessarily results in a golfer expending physical energy that detracts from the ability of the golfer to hit succeeding shots, the degree of harm depending on the particular person. Since golf is a game enjoyed by players of all ages and size, the physical characteristics and capabilities of any given player can vary drastically. Likewise golf bags and their clubs are stored vertically in the cart's rear, the top of the clubs standing 4 or 5 feet in the air. To retrieve a club, a golfer must grab the top of the club and raise it even higher, thus straining the joints and muscles of the arms and shoulders.
In an attempt to overcome the drawbacks associated with having two golfers share a cart, several devices have been proposed where an individualized golf cart is provided to eliminate the unnecessary criss-crossing and delay between a single golfer's shots. A common principle linking these devices is to provide a small, individualized motorized cart that can be easily transported to and from a golf course by a person's vehicle, eliminating the need to rent a full-sized golf cart as well as the problems noted above. These devices are three-wheeled for simple steering, and provide a small wheel-base and adjustable frame structure that permits the carts to be transported easily or even pulled manually.
Nonetheless, these three-wheeled carts themselves pose several problems. The carts have a small wheel-base as defined by the three-wheels. This construction makes the golf carts prone to tipping or rolling over, which can lead to unfortunate results. Further, very little, if anything at all, separates a riding golfer from the rear wheels of the cart, creating the potential for hands, feet and clothing to become entangled with the rear wheels. Moreover, these individualized golf carts are not structured to eliminate the twisting motion of the body and raising motion of the arms.
In light of the above, a general object of the present invention is to provide a golf cart for a single golfer that allows that golfer to maximize his or her concentration on the shot by minimizing the lost motion and distraction normally associated with getting from the cart to the shot with the correct club in hand.
It is a related object of the present invention to provide an individualized golf cart that eliminates the unnecessary expenditure of physical energy that can be used in a golfer's swing.
In that regard, it is also an object of the present invention to minimize the bending or straightening, and twisting motion used when entering or exiting the golf cart. Similarly, it is a related object of the present invention to provide a golf cart that minimizes the twisting motion used to access a mounted golf bag and the arm raising motion used to retrieve golf clubs.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an individualized golf cart having increased stability and improved handling characteristics.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an individualized golf cart that supports a golfer within the cart in a safe manner.
In accordance with these objects, the present invention provides a golf cart comprising a golf cart frame supported off the ground by four wheels. The cart further includes a mounting structure linked to the frame for retaining a golf bag on the cart. A platform is attached to the frame adjacent the rear wheels and extends rearwardly therefrom to support a person in an upright position behind the rear wheels. The individualized cart allows a golfer to concentrate on his or her game with less distraction and speeds up play, while the platform is easily accessible and provides a heighten view for easier location of a golf ball.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a side exit from the platform whereby the golfer can easily perceive and retrieve a golf club after stepping from the platform, as well as be near the golf ball to minimize lost motion. By standing on the platform and stepping down to exit, the golf cart does not promote rising and twisting or bending and twisting as in prior carts. This also eliminates much of the movement to and from the cart, streamlining play and preserving the golfer's energy.
It is a related feature of the present invention to dispose the golf bag mounting structure so that the golf bag is inclined and positioned transverse to the direction of motion. Preferably, the open end of the golf bag is positioned on the same side as the exit for the platform to provide easy access to the golf clubs and eliminating unnecessary arm raising or body twisting motions. The mounting structure may comprise a open ended tube sized to receive a golf bag. The tube may be sized to receive a substantial portion of the golf bag, leaving only the club heads projecting from the golf cart.
It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a conventionally sized golf cart frame supported off the ground by four wheels including two laterally spaced front wheels and two laterally spaced rear wheels. The conventional size and four wheels provide an individualized golf cart having excellent stability and handling characteristics.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a propulsion system, generally comprising a motor and associated power supply, and to dispose the propulsion system and platform on opposing sides of a rear axis formed by the laterally spaced rear wheels. By doing so, the weight of a golfer on the platform may be counterbalanced by the propulsion system to ensure a stable vehicle that is well balanced. The power supply is preferably spaced a distance from the rear wheels, the distance being greater than the distance the platform is spaced behind the rear wheels. It is also preferable to dispose the power supply adjacent the front wheels.
It is another feature of the present invention to provide the platform with a vertical guard wall to define an operating station. Controls for the steering system, propulsion system and braking system are disposed adjacent the operating station. The guard wall separates the platform interior from the rear wheels, providing safety to the golfer. The wall also aides in keeping a golfer within the platform area. Additionally, a seating ledge, back rest and/or seat may be connected to the vertical guard wall to provide additional comfort and support to the golfer while positioned on the platform.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Referring now to the drawings,
In practicing the invention, a platform 32 is attached to the cart 20, preferably to its frame 26 adjacent the rear wheels 23, 24 to support a golfer in an upright position. A safety enclosure or guard wall 34 is provided around a portion of the perimeter of the platform 32 to protect the golfer, partially support the golfer, and assist the golfer on remaining on the platform 32 in a safe and secure manner. The wall 34 provides an exit 210 disposed generally on a lateral side of the golf cart 20, where access to a golf bag mounted on support structure 30 can also be found. Controls for the steering system, propulsion system and brake system are positioned proximate platform 32 for operation of the golf cart 20. It will be understood that while the platform exit and access to the clubs is shown in the figures as being on the right side of the cart, the same may be provided on the left side of the cart without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Referring to
Turning to
The front section 50 mechanically links the frame 26 to the front wheels 21, 22, as well as the steering system 140 which is operatively connected to wheels 21, 22. The steering system 140 includes an elongated shaft 142 extending rearwardly from the front section 50 to locate a steering wheel 144 adjacent the platform 32, thereby providing a golfer with control over the steering system 140. The mid section is generally planar, and may provide all or a portion of the mounting structure 30 although this is not done in the preferred embodiment. The mid section 52 of the frame 26 supports the propulsion system including the power supply 152 for the motor 150. Golf carts are generally of the gas or electric type, and the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the figures is an electric golf cart. Thus, the power supply in this case comprises a bank of batteries 152, although in other cases the power supply 152 could comprise a tank for gasoline or other fuel. It can be seen that the power supply 152 is located adjacent the front section 50, near the front wheels 21, 22.
By locating the power supply 152 near the front wheels and a distance away from the rear wheels 23, 24, a golfer standing on the platform 32 may be counterbalanced by the weight of the power supply 152. As show in
The power supply 152 is operatively connected to the motor 150 which is supported on the frame 26 near the rear section 54. The motor 150 is generally disposed adjacent the rear wheels 23, 24. The rear section 54 mechanically links the frame 26 to the rear wheels 23, 24, which may include suspension springs and/or shocks as desired. The rear section 54 includes two L-shaped beams 56 which are laterally spaced apart and located adjacent the rear wheels 23, 24. The beams 56 conform to the wheels, as each beam includes a horizontally disposed portion and a vertically disposed portion thereby defining the L-shape. It will also be appreciated that while the power supply 152 is forwardly disposed to counter-balance a golfer, the motor 150 may likewise be used to counter-balance, either alone or in conjunction with the power supply 152 by positioning the same a distance in front of the rear wheels 23, 24.
The platform 32 is attached to the rear section 54 of the frame 26. The platform 32 generally comprises a planar floor 70 supported on a corresponding floor support frame 72 which is connected to the L-shaped beams 56, and more particularly the vertically disposed portion. The support frame 72 is generally rectangular or square, but may take other shapes as well. In the preferred embodiment, the platform 32 is approximately 23 inches by 28 inches, and is supported about 8 inches above the ground. A safety enclosure or guard wall 34 is attached to the platform 32 to provide safety and support to a golfer.
The guard wall 34 is generally defined by a plurality of vertical posts, including three comer posts 74, 75, 76 and two exit posts 78, 80. The vertical posts are about 2 to 4 feet tall, and preferably about 3 feet in height. The vertical posts are connected by horizontal rails. Horizontal rail 81 connects exit post 80 and comer post 74. Horizontal rail 82 connects comer post 74 and comer post 75. Rail 83 connects comer post 75 and comer post 76. Completing the wall, horizontal rail 84 connects comer post 76 and exit post 78. It will be appreciated that no horizontal rail connects the two exit posts 78, 80, thereby providing an exit area 210 for both entering and exiting the platform 32. Comer posts 75 and 76 are connected to the horizontally disposed portion of the L-shaped beams 56 while post 78 is connected to the vertically disposed portion to securely attached the guard wall 34 to the frame 26.
The guard wall 34 is preferably paneled, as will be discussed herein, although the use of posts and rails alone to form a more open fence type barrier may be desirable. It may be desirable for the guard wall to simply comprise a front barrier disposed to separate the operating station from the rear wheels, or it may simply comprise a restraint positioned above the platform to provide support for a golfer on the platform. Similarly, the guard wall may be connected to the frame or body of the golf cart rather than the platform itself, so long as the guard wall or safety enclosure is disposed in the vicinity of the platform. Further, the guard wall may be of practically any orientation and height, the aim of the wall being to define an operating station, physically assist the golfer when on the platform and protect the golfer. As such, the wall is typically over one or two feet tall, and preferably about three feet high in the rear to correspond with the waist level of most people.
Referring to
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the paneled body 98 defines a mounting structure 30 for receiving and retaining a golf bag. The structure 30 is generally tubular in nature, and as shown in
The mounting structure 30 is shown in
Turning now to
Numerous controls are provided proximate the platform 32 to allow a golfer to operate the golf cart 20. The steering wheel 144 allows the steering system to be controlled, while the starter 172 is typically key operated and starts and stops the engine. A forward and reverse control 188 is provided in panel 123. An accelerator 170 is used to throttle the engine and control the speed of the vehicle. The accelerator 170 in the preferred embodiment is a hand controlled lever as illustrated in
The platform area, and more particularly the guard wall 34 provides a utility tray 180 for the golfer. The tray 180 includes a shelf 182 for storing items, holes 184 for retaining golf balls, holes 186 for retaining tees, and finally a cup holder 188 for retaining beverages. Likewise, the steering wheel 144 may include a plate 146 having a clip for retaining a score card as well as holes or apertures for tees or pencils or the like.
While the seating ledge has been illustrated in
As also shown in
The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
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Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Aug 20 2002 | SUTTON, DONALD J | CHARIOT CARTS, INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 013240 | /0370 |
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